Controversial Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz is back in the news over the possibility that he’s involved in sex trafficking. NBC reports that Gaetz’s ex-girlfriend testified on Wednesday before a federal grand jury that’s investigating the Florida Republican for sex crimes, and the outlet noted that it’s a “major development that suggests the Department of Justice may be moving closer to indicting him.”
“The ex-girlfriend, whose name is being withheld by NBC News to respect her privacy, has been in talks for months with prosecutors about an immunity deal,” the outlet reports. “Under a possible deal, she would avoid prosecution for obstruction of justice in return for testifying in the investigation into whether Gaetz in 2017 had sex with a 17-year-old female for money and whether months later he and others violated a federal law prohibiting people for paying for prostitutes overseas.”
Three crimes.
“Legal sources familiar with the case say Gaetz is being investigated for three distinct crimes: sex trafficking the 17-year-old; violating the Mann Act, which prohibits taking women across state lines for prostitution; and obstructing justice,” the report continues.
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Gaetz has denied any wrongdoing and has called the federal investigation a DOJ “witch hunt,” a term the former President likes to use. Gaetz has not been charged with a crime. However, the investigation that has lasted a year appears to be escalating.
“According to one source familiar with the case, the alleged sex-trafficking victim told investigators at one point that Gaetz had sex with her,” the outlet notes.
The unnamed ex-girlfriend, a former Capitol staffer, was in an open relationship with Gaetz in 2017 and 2018 and allegedly discussed other women with whom the embattled Congressman was involved.
Gaetz’s former pal, former Seminole County tax collector Joel Greenberg, was charged with a host of crimes and has been cooperating with investigators. And Gaetz’s recent marriage won’t protect her from testifying. I just thought I’d throw that out there.
Featured image via Political Tribune gallery
